Impact of Eren's Rumbling: Alternate Paths for Marley and Paradis

The story of Attack on Titan would have taken a vastly different turn if Eren Yeager had not initiated the Rumbling. Key actors like Marley and Paradis Island, along with central artifacts such as the Founding Titan, would have played pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of Titans and humanity. Let’s explore some potential scenarios of how Marley might have leveraged the Founding Titan.

Continued Conflict without the Rumbling

In the absence of Eren's Rumbling, tensions between Marley and Paradis Island would likely have continued to escalate. Marley, feeling threatened by the Titans on Paradis, might have sought to neutralize this potential threat through different means, leading to further military confrontations.

Marley's Strategic Leverage

Instead of outright war, Marley may have attempted to use the Founding Titan for political leverage. By negotiating with Paradis, Marley could have presented the Founding Titan as a bargaining chip to gain concessions or establish a peace treaty. This strategy could be particularly effective if Marley aimed to achieve significant political or territorial gains.

Scientific and Military Enhancement

Marley might have pursued research to harness the Founding Titan's powers for military enhancement. This could involve attempts to create more powerful Titans or to develop methods to control the Titans on Paradis. The Founding Titan would then serve as a strategic asset in shifting the military balance of power in favor of Marley.

Internal Politics and Power Struggles

The absence of the Rumbling could have led to internal political shifts within Marley. Different factions within Marley might have vied for control over the Founding Titan, leading to power struggles and potential civil conflict. This could have caused instability within the nation and diverted resources from military confrontation with Paradis.

Possible Alliance Building

Another potential action Marley could have taken is seeking alliances with other nations or factions to bolster their position against Paradis. The Founding Titan could have served as a tool for diplomacy or coercion, helping Marley form strategic partnerships to counter the threat from Paradis.

Potential for Peace

Without Eren's drastic actions, the narrative might have shifted towards more diplomatic and strategic maneuvers. The Founding Titan could have been used as a symbol of unity rather than a weapon of mass destruction. This could have led to a different outcome for both sides, with more negotiations and diplomacy playing key roles in resolving conflicts.

Conclusion

Without Eren's Rumbling, the story of Attack on Titan could have taken a more measured and strategic path. The Founding Titan, instead of being a destructive force, would have served as a pivotal element in negotiations and power dynamics, potentially leading to a different and more peaceful resolution.